Introduction Log || It's Happening Again (Again!)

[eternitymods]

Who: All characters (New Arrivals, Previous Arrivals, and Native OCs) When: June 5th Where: The Dream Width (Airship), the Curti Center, and the Housing District What: It is happening again. More outworlders have arrived in the Dream Width and must be rescued and brought back to their new homes on Vaikuntha Warnings/Notes: Only new players can put up a toplevel. Previous arrivals and native characters can respond to new characters' toplevel posts. MEMORY [ You've been here before...? No, wait, why would you think that? You're here in the moment, everything is as it should be...(?) The memory you are trapped in has completely enthralled you. You stop questioning and accept, you relive and repeat. Luckily, you are not alone. Others have arrived to help you. The travelers in the airships will enter the nebula formed by your memories and attempt to wake you up and bring you back to the present. The dreamer's mind will shape how these newcomers are perceived and how the NPCs in the memory respond to them. For more details on the mechanics, please refer to this post] ARRIVAL [ You wake from your dreams, from your memories, on a narrow cot. There are fleeting impressions- recycled air, humming machinery, movement, strangers waking around you. The room you wake in is lined with cots, with barely enough space between them to walk to the door, though not all of them show signs of having been occupied. The makeshift infirmary seems like it was prepared to hold many more than are here. Stepping out, there is a lobby space that bears the signs of having once held some furniture, now cleared away to make space. Your footsteps echo in the emptiness. As the automatic door slides shut on the infirmary, a light flashes on the far side of the room. A flickering holographic projection of a man’s face and gloved hand appears projected in the space above the arrivals’ heads. He backs up so his upper body is in frame for the recording. An arm, covered in the same orange flightsuit sleeve, hands him a tablet. The man begins to read. A written version of the message scrolls along the bottom of the projection as he speaks. ] ’Welcome travelers’… That’s way too formal. Hey everyone. Hi! [ The second man leans into the frame to add his greeting. ] Don’t panic. You were floating out there, but we pulled you in and rescued you. Yeah, we’re heroic AND handsome. And also the only ones crazy enough to come out here to get you. [ A woman’s voice calls from out of frame. ] Can you two be serious for ONE moment and stick to your scripts? [ The two men give each other a conspiratorial eyeroll. This does not appear to be their first take. ] Anyways, no need to panic. Seriously, don’t do anything reckless. We got our fill of that with Skywalker. [A huff is heard offscreen, and the men finally spare the tablet another glance.] ‘Your pilots will be navigating treacherous environs as this message plays…’ Claire, seriously? Nobody talks like this! [ The tablet is tossed to the side and lands with a thunk offscreen. ] We’re gonna wing it. Look, everyone, we’re workin’ hard to get you planetside safely, and it’s gonna take some tricky flying to do it. So the door to the cockpit is locked so we can focus on not getting us all killed. Don’t try to open it, unless you want to be stardust. We promise you’ll get answers about what’s going on once we land. But for now, please trust us. Right now, we’re your only hope. [ The second man leans forward, close to the recording device, and presses a button. The projection freezes for a moment, and then the message starts on the next recorded message. ] CURTI CENTER [ Finally after hours of flight, you arrive at the Curti Center. The other NPCs await you having been notified of your retrieval in the Dream Width. Cid gives a short and to the point welcome speech, explaining what the situation is: you were lost in a space called the Dream Width. You are now on a planet called Vaikuntha: for ages, the people of this world have used Airships to rescue people lost in the Dream Width, with one person being found roughly every ten years. No one knows why this happens, but this has been a mutually beneficial exchange, with the people from Vaikutha rescuing people lost in the Dream Width and the rescued ones sharing their wisdom with the people of Vaikuntha. Ten years ago, something unusual happened: two people were found at once, Biggs and Wedge. But that was nothing compared to what happened two months ago. And now, here you are. No one knows why such a large number of people has arriving lately, but the Curti Center is a place dedicated to piercing the Dream Width's secrets. Cid also introduces the other ones: his assistant Jessie, a young woman fascinated by the new arrivals, Claire, the woman sighing and writing in her schedule book upon being pointed out as the bookkeeper, Kupoto and Mogaruru, their Mognet representatives and finally the Native OCs: those brave and kind souls who have accepted to help you all on a daily basis. After Cid finishes (and Claire grumbles at her work never being done), the employees, including the Native OCs, provide a tour of the facility and help the newcomers navigate their future lives. Now is the time to ask questions and look over pamphlets regarding locations, Jobs, life in Vaikuntha... ] [ If you want to contact an NPC, you can do so on the NPC Contact Page. ] A BALL OF FLUFF NAMED MOOGLE [ It has been a long day, perhaps now you would like to find your way to a place to sleep? Or perhaps you'd like to get some answers, but you can't be bothered to go seek people out? And lo, just as despair begins settles in, a Moogle slams into you! Or stops by your side if their aim is decent... It's the Moogle Cid mentioned in his speech earlier! And they'll be informing you that now, they will stick to you like your shadow and help you in anyway they can! They're also giving you your iMog Slate- Now you can get onto Mognet! Isn't it great? ] A QUICK CHECK-UP [ Whether it's your Moogle, Native OCs or NPCs, all will urge you to stop by the hospital wing for a basic check-up. You may disagree, but listen. You've just been thrown into a space between worlds, rescued, and brought to another world. For your own sake, that's a good idea. Should you give in and go (or should you be dragged by your Moogle or a Native OC), you will find yourself in the cold and white space very reminiscent of an hospital. For characters with specific medical conditions necessitating help, this is where they will receive it if asked. The doctors and nurses are all White Mages or Chemists, with various levels into their Job as well as medical knowledge. Don't mind the confused looks if you look like nothing they've ever seen before... It's hard for a doctor to be unable to give a proper diagnosis to a patient! For everyone else though, they'll be let go with smiles and be given a candy as they leave. No one likes medical check-ups, but it's a very quick and basic one: testing reflexes, taking your temperature and the likes. On the bright side, while you're grumpily sitting on a bed with a thermometer on your forehead or in your mouth, it might be a good time to socialize with your fellow new arrival who's having lights flashed into their eyes by a doctor. Misery loves company, after all. ] PRETTY SIGHTS [ There's plenty of rooms to wander about in, with several points of interest apart from the offices. The Airship Hangar is where the airships are kept and the first room you entered. Workers keep guard to prevent the outworlders from getting too close to the vehicles. Airships are expensive and they don't want you messing with them, after all. Venturing into the Research Section, you can walk through public exhibitions on astronomy, airship design, and asterisk studies. A good place to get used to the basic science of this world. The laboratories lie behind a thick locked door with a sign reading "EMPLOYEES ONLY". No going there, for now anyway. Not too far from there are the Employee Quarters - work stations, apartments, and lounge areas. The latter are available to the public, whereas the rest is locked to Native OCs. But if you get them to be friends with you, perhaps they'll let you visit? Also open to all is a Cafeteria - a standard food court with stalls serving all types of Vaikunthan cuisine. The Chef is a very jovial and absent-minded Hypello. Beware of long lines and crowded tables. Should you prefer open spaces, then the gardens are for you! There are different sections in the gardens around the center. One boasts a wide array of blooming flowers, another more practical with herbs commonly used in Vaikunthan cooking. One had been cultivated for butterflies and hummingbirds to visit. Paths have been laid through so that visitors can safely navigate, and moogles will swoop down and shout at anyone who strays into the flower beds. Or perhaps, you want to wait till the sunset. Dusk on a new world, but a beginning of a new life... The sea shines bright in the orange light. A good moment for quiet contemplation. ] HOUSING [The housing accommodations are the best the Curti staff could provide, given that they are still also sheltering most of the previous arrivals from the Dream Width. The keys have been entrusted to the moogles who will be guiding the new arrivals. The new arrivals can stop by the Curti Center storage room to collect some essential supplies that have been donated by charity organizations from around the world (there are boxes of toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste sent from the Zora, hair brushes from the Elezen, quick-drying towels from the Hypello, among the various donations of clothes, toiletries, and blankets), before heading to their temporary homes. The people of Vaikuntha have done their best to provide for their new neighbors and help them get on their feet. Still, things will be a little cramped until the off-worlders can find employment and move into better housing. The staff hopes they can get along with one another until alternate arrangements can be made. You can survive living with roommates for a few months, right?] THE JOB FOR YOU [An important part of life on Vaikuntha is the Job (or Jobs) you choose to take. No, not the way you earn your living. Your Job Class. Most Natives only choose one or two, but you'll have an opportunity to take on more Job Asterisks after you master your first Jobs. The Curti Center's resident Job Master, Ganeshan, is more than happy to arrange transportation to the various Guilds so that you can claim your first Asterisks. ]

Comments

[likewishes]

[ Good. Don't comment. Suffering like this is also part of the punishment, isn't it? Knowing what is happening but not being a part of it? ]

She has that effect on people, you know.

[ On just about everyone they meet, really. She is a sweet girl. But her determination and stubbornness are on par with even the most fierce opponent. Nunnally is a strong, unflinching and unwavering girl. He couldn't have left the world in better hands. ]

Kallen and the others. [ No hesitation there. It's something else he wants to know. If they are fine. Are they well? ] And... Yourself. Naturally.

[promisedtolive]

[ There is so much else he could say about Nunnally. But they've had enough hurt for the moment. So he, too, is grateful Lelouch takes the offering. ]

I saw most of the Student Council members not so long ago. For your fireworks. [ Gives him a pointed, mild, look. ] They're all well -- they're all moving forward. Kallen and Rivalz are back at Ashford.

The Black Knights have been restructured, but they and Zero are more popular than ever. [ Managing them and liaising with Britannia keeps him breathtakingly busy. ]

[likewishes]

[ There's no verbal response about the fireworks. Just a wry hint of a smile before focusing on the important things. ]

Good. Rivalz is probably dismayed that Milly is no longer there. I hope her career has really taken off. She deserves it. They all do, honestly.

[ He isn't surprised to hear that the Black Knights still exist. Though he wonders how the management works now. Do they report to Zero or someone else? Still, for Suzaku to know all this means that he is involved a great deal. ]

You must be busy.

[promisedtolive]

From what I can tell, she's been wildly successful. [ He's only caught glimpses of the news from time to time, but it's comforting to see Milly Ashford's face when he can. ]

Zero maintains a presence worldwide. Wherever he is needed.

[likewishes]

Zero looks like he needs a full night's rest and a sandwich.

[promisedtolive]

[ Blinks, caught off guard. ]

There's nothing to be concerned about.

[likewishes]

[ Have a very, very flat Lelouch look. ]

You didn't just say that to me.

[promisedtolive]

[ That look breaks his heart a little. It's very, very familiar. ]

Lelouch, I mean it. I'm fine.

[likewishes]

You look far worse than I did ever wearing that mask. In fact, I think you're thinner than me and that is telling.

[promisedtolive]

[ Glances away, looking a little irritated. ]

You're making a big deal over nothing. [ He's managed for a year without faltering. Eats enough to live, sleeps as much as is possible in his circumstance. ]

[likewishes]

[ Over nothing. Lelouch scoffs. Clearly disagreeing but doesn't say anything else about it. ...Over nothing. As if Suzaku's health is "nothing." ]

Idiot.

[ Okay so apparently he did have something else to say. ]

[promisedtolive]

[ Snorts under his breath. ]

As you always say. [ The tone is softer, though. Less piqued; the will (or energy) is not there to fight with him. ]

I'm glad to see you, Lelouch.

[likewishes]

Usually because I am right in saying it...

[ He sighs. Lets it go for now. Lelouch doesn't have the energy to fight. Especially not when they are both like this. ]

That's... Actually a relief.

[ Because tbh he thought that Suzaku might be upset to see him alive. And somewhat thriving. ]

[promisedtolive]

[ Looks a little surprised to hear that. ]

Why?

[likewishes]

I half expect more anger and suspicion...

[promisedtolive]

[ Quiet for a moment, thinking about that. ]

When I first saw you, I was a little angry. But you didn't do this. It's not like you tricked me after the Requiem and came here.

You held up your end of the plan. There's nothing to be upset at you for.

[likewishes]

Hmm.

[ Oh look at that. Suzaku is capable of rational thought! Joking aside, Lelouch is still relieved that his friend can look at it like that. Yet there's still plenty to be upset about. ]

Even Euphemia being here?

[ With him. Though he doesn't voice that. ]

[promisedtolive]

[ He growed up some over the last year!

Lelouch invoking Euphemia will never be okay. But maybe Lelouch is lucky that being so overwhelmed dulls that sting and prevents more irrational reactions. ]

I... know you won't hurt her. [ The SAZ disaster had been a mystery, and Lelouch's role murky at best. But Lelouch's commitment to wiping her name from history with his own infamy is a powerful counterweight, along with his own feeling there was more to the story than what he knows. ]

[likewishes]

Not intentionally, no.

[ But being around him brings pain in one way or another. He knows this. Lelouch won't make any promises about not hurting anyone. It's going to happen. All of their lives and the events around them have made things complicated in ways that no one could really predict. ]

Which... Brings us back to why we sought a more private setting.

[ He is trying to be gentle about it, Suzaku. ]

[promisedtolive]

Not intentionally. [ Echoes softly. He could say the same for himself.

Then Lelouch's segue creates a limp in his stomach. ]

Aa. [ He can't volunteer a subject; he's afraid to. (Coward.) ]

[likewishes]

She doesn't remember SAZ... But I do believe she remembers bits and pieces of [ He shifts his weight uncomfortably. ] ...her death.

[ It's not a subject that's pleasant for either of them. There's so much pain there. ]

I told her that I'd tell her the truth. About anything. Everything.

[promisedtolive]

[ His dry eyes burn at remembering how Euphy died. Reaching for him, then him lying about the zone's success. ]

I told her she'd done well. That the Japanese people were happy and that she'd helped them.

[ Takes a shaky breath. ]

We owe her the truth. I'll answer whatever I can.

[likewishes]

[ Lelouch understands the lie. He'd tell it himself, really. But Euphy, out of everyone, is owed the truth. His hand falls to Suzaku's shoulder. Gives it a squeeze. ]

We do, yes. The problem, I think, is that she doesn't want to ask. She fears the truth.

[promisedtolive]

[ Lelouch's hand on his shoulder is unexpectedly calming. He's refrained from anything except for handshakes as Zero (or Nunnally touching his hand), so it's been a year since anyone has provided contact.

But nothing can really dispel the anxiety of trying to volunteer information. ]

Whatever I have to do. Even... even Kingsley. [ Swallows as his stomach churns again. ] Whatever either of you want to know.

[likewishes]

I have fragmented memories of that time. [ Maybe because he had been fighting it on and off so not everything had a solid hold in his mind? ] However, one of those memories Euphy also experienced.

[ Because Suzaku needs to be aware of that! ]